I'm sure if everyone looked close enough we'd all have similar stories...

Within 15 min's either straight west or straight east of me there are 4 current or former major league players including one probable and another longer shot at the hall of fame.

Joe Girardi came from the next town over East Peoria IL. His uncle ( Ron Girardi ) lives across the street from me. So I've heard anyway as I've never bothered him about it, just treat him like a normal neighbor.

Jim Thome came from the next town over ( Bartonville, IL ) and played JC ball in Girardi's hometown.

Ben Zobrist came from Eureka IL and plays a fair amount for Tampa Bay ( I think it is )

Brian Shouse still lives in our town ( Washington IL ) and plays for Tampa as well I think. He's not a household name but he's been in the majors for a while now.

I just thought it odd to have that many MLB playes / coaches who are from a fairly lightly populated area of the country. Come to think of it this doesn't even include the largest towns in our area.

Get out of the hills and come to Florida. We have  plenty of atletes/celebreties around here. Vanila Ice lives a mile away from me, Tiger Woods, Alan Jackson, Colts wide receiver (retired), 2nd string catcher for the Phillies, Bruce Springstein, and the list goes on and on and on and on and on.

As far as those that grew up here, well, we have plenty of those too.

I sometimes wonder about this, too. BB, there are a great many players from the Tampa area (I realize that's not exactly near you). Must be something in the water.  That or all the great programs in the area, and the ability to play year round. I sometimes wonder if this isn't related to concentration of scouting offices, or is ti the other way around? Here's another one, Derek Jeter and Kevin VanDam both are from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

  I'm talking about 4 little towns in this case with a combined maybe 55K amount of bodies? and 15 min's on either side of me.

I just thought it odd for such a very small area or even in a big area for people really close by someone.

Not a big deal just curiousity is all.

Kool.

I had a gentleman who played for the Yankees back in the 40s after WWII living across the street from my home.

He passed away earlier this year.  :'(